Skip navigation
If you decide to do an apprenticeship, accommodation is something to consider if you’re going to live away from home. It’s important you make the right decision for you and your circumstances, so you feel comfortable and happy after coming home from work. We’ve outlined what you need to know to make an informed decision for you.

Employer support

Employers will often expect you to source your own accommodation but that doesn’t mean your employer won’t offer some additional support to help. Each employer will offer something different. Examples of support could include:

  • a financial relocation package to help with moving expenses
  • networking opportunities with current or new apprentices (for example a WhatsApp group or a social)
  • information on the local area and local letting agencies
  • company owned accommodation (this is rare, but does happen occasionally)
  • accommodation expenses if you’re studying at a uni, college, or training provider that is located elsewhere in the UK

Accommodation is a good question to ask about at the end of an interview when an employer asks, ‘Do you have any questions for us?’. You may want to ask:

 

  • “Do you provide any support for apprentices looking for accommodation?”
  • “How often will I need to attend uni or college, and do you cover the costs?”
  • “I was wondering whether you offer any relocation packages or on-site accommodation?”

Tash, project management apprentice

I actually moved out to do my apprenticeship, so I got to move away from home and live on my own, which was really nice. I personally don't think I missed out on anything. I was still able to go out and do all the things you would do at uni. My boyfriend and I rented a house really near the office so I could walk to work every day and attend social events in the evening.

Rented accommodation

If you’re relocating, you might want to consider renting somewhere independently or as part of a house share with other students or apprentices. You can find rented accommodation using letting agencies in the area you’re moving to, or through third-party property search websites.

Some top tips are:

  • meet your potential house mates and view any properties in person before signing
  • read the contract thoroughly and ask for clarification on any points you don’t understand
  • make sure any deposit you pay is placed in a deposit protection scheme
  • double check what’s included. Some accommodation may be furnished with things like a bed and sofa provided, whereas others may not be
  • remember a lot of these contracts won’t include bills, so you need to make sure you budget for these additional costs as well as your rent

It’s also possible to rent a room as a lodger. This is where you rent a room in the same building as your landlord and usually means sharing facilities like bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. You might also get additional services with the rent including meals, laundry or bills.

Try to get the terms of your agreement in writing so that have something to refer to for expectations of you and your landlord.

House shares
  • More economical with included bills and sometimes cleaning.
  • Social opportunities to make new friends and share responsibilities.
  • Typically fully furnished, easing the moving process.
Lodging
  • Typically offer meals and cleaning at an extra cost.
  • Fewer maintenance and bill responsibilities.
  • Offers more privacy with options like en-suite bathrooms.

Living at home

If you have the option available, living in a family member’s home may be something to consider, particularly while you’re finding your feet. 

Lots of companies offer hybrid working, so you can work from the office some of the time and from home some of the time. It’s good to have an environment where you could work from home if you need to. Although this isn’t the case with all roles, for example, nursing apprenticeships will always be based on-site.

If you’re planning on working from a family member’s home and they receive any government benefits, check whether living with them could affect this.

Provider accommodation

The place where you do the academic aspect of your apprenticeship is known as the provider (this might be a uni or college), and some offer support with your accommodation.  They might:

  • recommend houses, landlords, or letting agencies who can help you find accommodation
  • provide accommodation in halls of residence (although this isn’t common)
  • recommend short-term hotels or lets to use whilst you’re searching

You may also need to study in block periods during the apprenticeship. Most providers or employers will provide short-term accommodation for these periods too.

Things to consider